About Austin and the University

Austin used to be a pleasant surprise for business students and visitors from out of state, but the city's great weather, friendly atmosphere, and thriving economy are no longer secrets. In May 2010, Kiplinger's named Austin the top city for business for the next decade.

Demographers call Austin a "City of Ideas," one of a handful of American regions where a new creative class of entrepreneurs, business leaders, artists and visionaries are reshaping the model for American prosperity.

A well-educated work force, a world-class research university, a favorable business climate, a reasonable tax structure, and an outstanding quality of life are the top five reasons why companies choose Austin. Over 800 semi-conductor, energy, computer and software companies call Austin home. Other industries, such as biosciences, multi-media, film, music and logistics and distribution are well-represented and growing.

The McCombs School of Business benefits from strong relationships with our local business community. They join us as research partners, recruiters, visiting lecturers, practicum sponsors, and guest speakers.

Austin also boasts scenic beauty, a laid-back atmosphere, a highly educated population and a lively arts and music scene. The city is bluebonnets and blues, high-tech and hill country, research and recreation.

With over 50,000 students, the University of Texas at Austin is currently the fifth largest university in the U.S. and the main component of the University of Texas system. Founded in 1883 as a small campus on 40 acres near the state capitol, it has come far from its beginning, when it had only one building, eight teachers, two departments and 221 students. UT is now a major research university with internationally known scholars and teachers in all academic disciplines. From teaching, to research, to public service, the University’s activities support its main purpose: to transform lives for the benefit of society through the core values of learning, discovery, freedom, leadership, individual opportunity, and responsibility.

One of the largest and most distinguished business schools in the country, the McCombs School of Business is dedicated to educating the business leaders of tomorrow while creating knowledge for industry and society. It is one of the few schools in the country to receive top marks in nearly all business specialty areas ranked annually by U.S. News & World Report. McCombs educates more than 6,000 undergraduate, MBA, MPA and Ph.D. students each year, creating one of the largest cumulative impacts of any business school in the world. About 2,000 professionals also participate each year in custom programs designed for working executives and their firms.

The Blanton offers a range of programs and interpretive tools to fit each visitor's interest and knowledge level. The museum's inspiring collections are displayed in some of the most beautifully designed art spaces in the United States. Visitors will gain an abundance of information and insight through gallery tours, artists' talks and lectures by curators and other art experts. Relaxing and unusual events like yoga in the galleries, live music in the atrium, and the monthly Third Thursday happy hours will further enliven the museum.

Permanent Exhibits/Collections include:

The Mari and James A. Michener Collection of 20th-Century American Art

The Suida-Manning Collection of Renaissance and Baroque art, among other European paintings

The Barbara Duncan Collection of Latin American Art, one of the most comprehensive in the country

Campus Events & Entertainment

The Texas Union, located nearby on the UT campus, hosts an almost endless variety of educational and entertaining programs, and also has several lounging areas for you to enjoy during any free time you may have. For example, at the Cactus Cafe & Bar, you can catch a show and kick back in one of Austin's great musical institutions. You can also take a Tower Tour or have fun bowling and playing games in the Union Underground.